Barbie creates dolls with prosthetic limbs and wheelchairs

Barbie is expanding its diverse range of dolls to include dolls with disabilities.

For the brand's 60th birthday they have made over the range to include dolls of all different body types, ethnicities and disabilities.

A Barbie in a wheelchair and another with a prosthetic leg will be introduced, Toymaker Mattel said in a statement.

"For 60 years, Barbie has been a reflection of culture and fashion and that is key to the brand's continued relevance," Mattel's global head of design for Barbie Kim Culmone said.

"This year our Barbie line will include dolls reflecting physical disabilities in order to better represent the people and the world kids see around them."

"Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is a critical component of our design process and we are proud that today's kids will know a different image and experience of the brand."

A Barbie in a wheelchair was one of the most requested changes, Ms Culmone said.

The new range is a part of Barbie's Fashionistas line, which was expanded in 2016 to include dolls with four different body types original, tall, curvy and petite as well as seven skin tones and more than 20 different eye colours and hairstyles.